Latest news with #DowntownDenverPartnership
Axios
4 days ago
- Business
- Axios
16th Street's reopening offers hope for downtown's future
The heart of downtown Denver is beating again — even if only temporarily — after the pandemic brought it to a standstill. The latest: A rebranded 16th Street reopened over the weekend with more than 70 vendors, bold new art installations, a World Cup climbing competition — and, most critically, crowds. Hundreds of people strolled the redesigned mile-long strip, some for the first time in years. The kickoff marked the public debut of a years-long, nearly complete $175.4 million renovation aimed at resuscitating the city's iconic corridor. Why it matters: Downtown's fate is tied to Denver's identity — and its economy. State of play: For a few days at least, optimism was in the air. "This is probably at least five times as many people as you would expect normally on a Saturday," Eric George, a Denver native who works downtown, told us. It feels like 16th Street "is on the cusp," he said, of a "vibrant" new chapter. LoHi resident Kassie Aragon — who's steered clear of 16th Street for years — called it "not-so-gloomy, really lively, young, and up-and-coming." If it stays like this, she said, "I probably will walk a lot more through here." Yes, but: The real challenge starts now to keep the energy alive beyond the fanfare. Despite falling crime rates, safety concerns on 16th Street linger. Weekday foot traffic is still down, hovering at 71%, according to the Downtown Denver Partnership. CBRE data shows downtown office vacancies have jumped to 35%, while retail vacancies remain stubbornly high at 22%, per DDP. What they're saying: "The fact is that you're not going to alleviate those concerns until you get more people back into offices," Ed Sealover, VP of strategic initiatives for the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, said last month on "Colorado Inside Out."
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thousands flock to 16th Street concert, raising hopes of an economic comeback
DENVER (KDVR) — Thousands of people headed for Denver's Downtown 16th Street Monday night for a concert in the newly renovated area. It was one of the first big events to be held in what many people consider the heart of downtown. Block party debuts on 16th Street as construction nears completion 'The concert just last night was incredible because it was the first time in those two years that we've seen thousands and thousands of people come back,' Downtown Denver Partnership CEO Kourtny Garrett said. The area has had a lot of challenges ever since COVID, protests and renovation projects that choked foot traffic. 16th Street is now nearly finished with a major renovation project. Nine of 13 blocks have undergone major infrastructure changes. Some people who live, work and visit there say it is an entirely new vibe. On Tuesday night, an estimated 5,000 people attended a concert on 16th Street. The Downtown Denver Partnership says it was the first big event to take place in years. One of the businesses that has seen ups and downs on the stretch is the Sportsfan. It has survived Covid, protests and major renovations that choked traffic in front of one of its stores. FOX31 learned more people are returning to the popular tourist spot. The number of people now visiting the area was not readily available. Migrating miller moths soon to fill Colorado: What they are, how to get them out of your home 'We've been seeing a much better amount of traffic. We have two stores, one down here and one five blocks up the street, and I would say, on average, we're seeing a 20 to 25% increase. It's nice to be busy when you have a sales job, and it's nice to see the community thriving a little bit more than we've seen since COVID,' Sportsfan Manager Myles Gregory said. Monday night's concert was just the beginning of what the partnership says will be a series of events to bring people back to downtown Denver. FOX31 also spotted several groups of tourists. 'We kind of came from the LoDo area, and that seemed a little bit more business-focused. But coming over here seems a lot more lively and stuff. I like how the streets have things going on in places we can explore,' Wisconsin tourist Tia Beirne said. The 16th Street kick-off to summer will take place this weekend. It will feature nine blocks of entertainment, live music and vendors. The mile-long 16th Street is expected to attract thousands of people. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Denver's 16th Street Mall to be known as "16th Street" after a $175.4 million renovation
Denver's 16th Street Mall to be known as "16th Street" after a $175.4 million renovation Denver's 16th Street Mall to be known as "16th Street" after a $175.4 million renovation Denver's 16th Street Mall to be known as "16th Street" after a $175.4 million renovation Denver city leaders and the Downtown Denver Partnership celebrated the completion of 90% of the 16th Street Mall on Tuesday. "We now will describe this jewel in Denver as 16th Street," Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced. The city has been renovating 16th Street for more than three years at an estimated cost of $175.4 million, according to the city. 16th Street stretches over a mile in downtown Denver. "This is just the start," President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership Kourtny Garrett said. "Every single piece of this effort has been designed and brought to life to reflect the spirit of our city and to offer all those who experience 16th Street a welcoming world-class open space." Mayor Johnston showcases 16th Street CBS Colorado Johnston said this was not just a reopening of a street but the entire downtown. Johnston said 16th Street will also be known as The Denver Way, "which has two meanings. One, it is literally the main street of downtown, it is The Denver Way, by which you can make your way through downtown." Johnston also says you will find restaurants, diverse communities, and what he calls a connection to the outdoors, "This is the trailhead of Colorado." CBS Colorado Denver District 10 Councilman Chris Hinds said, "This is our opportunity... this is where we showcase and show off frankly what makes Denver special." There is a grand opening on Memorial Day weekend. The next weekend, on May 31 and June 1, 16th Street will host 150 vendors and 100 performers, the Skyline Beer Garden, and for the first time, 16th Street will host the IFSC World Cup of speed climbing.
Axios
17-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
New data reveals the state of downtown Denver 5 years post-pandemic
Whether downtown Denver is hurting or healing depends on who you ask — but new data shows it's doing both. Why it matters: The city's urban core is still finding its footing after COVID spurred the collapse of office culture and pedestrian life. Driving the news: The Downtown Denver Partnership this month released its 2024 report on the "State of Downtown Denver." Here's what we learned from the 40-page report: 🏢 Office vacancy hit 27%, nearly 7 points above the national average — and worse than comparable tech hubs Seattle and Austin. 🚶 Daily foot traffic remains down by 53,000 pedestrians compared with pre-pandemic levels. 👔 Return to office remains sluggish in key areas like Skyline Park, where it sits at 47% of 2019 figures. 💸 Housing remains unaffordable for many despite falling rents. A one-bedroom apartment requires an annual income of nearly $77,000, pricing out 41% of the city's residents. 🏡 Only 21% of downtown households own their homes, compared with 49% citywide. 👎 Downtown visitor satisfaction plummeted, with 55% rating their downtown experience as "great" — down from 70% in both 2021 and 2023, Gensler's Jon Gambrill said during a presentation of DDP's report. Yes, but: There are bright spots, too. 💰 Downtown pulled in $1.2 billion in investment last year, delivering 700,000 square feet of office space, more than 2,000 residential units and 265 hotel rooms. 🧑🧑🧒🧒 The area's population more than doubled since 2010, now at 33,000 residents. 📈 Growth projections exceed both metro area and statewide forecasts through 2029. 🛍️ Retail sales are climbing — up 4.7% year over year, ahead of the rest of the city. 🚨 Violent crime fell 8% year over year, and property crime dropped 9%. What's next: Mayor Mike Johnston's new safety initiative aims to expand police presence downtown to further tamp down crime, increase foot traffic, and improve people's perception of the area. Local business owners, including Jax Fish House's Dave Query — who recently told Johnston the area was "completely falling apart" — have praised the effort, BusinessDen reports.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Denver to increase downtown police presence in effort to invigorate area
DENVER (KDVR) — Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said it's time for people to start coming downtown again. With businesses in the area struggling to regain their footing after the pandemic, he said he knows crime is an issue. Wednesday, he announced a plan to do something about it. 'Liberation Day' or recession day? Colorado legislators react to Trump's tariffs The mayor announced downtown Denver will get an increased police presence soon. Leaders hope making people feel safe will get them back downtown again. 'If we allow folks to commit crimes on our streets and sidewalks without consequences, that also does not solve crime. Today we are here to share that those days are over in Denver. Today we are going to launch a commitment to making sure we can secure that experience of vibrance in the middle of downtown with this collaborative effort,' Johnston said. The mayor wants to make downtown safe again. He said that coupled with an investment of $570 million through the Downtown Development Authority, the city is boosting safety so people feel comfortable in the area. 'We'll have 10 officers that will be dedicated just to downtown. That will include foot patrol, it'll include bike patrol, motorcycle patrol. In addition, we'll add three more shifts of our park rangers: three additional shifts a day coming up and through our park area as a way to activate and keep that supported,' Johnston said. In an effort with the Downtown Denver Partnership, the city will also add five security guards on board. On top of all that, the mayors say they will have a surge of officers on hand for weekend nights when bars close. The city will also add bike paramedics and a police kiosk to help people who may need it rather than reaction to criminal activity. Broncos CEO names Aurora as possible new stadium site at NFL owner's meetings The mayor acknowledged with Rockies opening day, the reopening of the 16th Street Mall and potential playoff runs from Denver teams all around the corner, now is a great time to bring people back to the heart of the city. While some may be skeptical of increased patrols, some business owners welcome the change. 'I'm super excited about the increased investment: the plan for horses and bikes and foot patrols. It's exactly what we need. And it feels very familiar. We've had these things before but I do hope they bring us the safety and vibrancy that the mayor talks about,' said Derek Friedman, owner of Sportsfan. The 10 new downtown officers will be a permanent fixture in the area. The additional 10 foot patrols per day have been funded for an entire year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
